How Running Helped Save Lisa’s Life

Lisa Allen is a past substance abuser who decided to change her life for the better, with help from the Derby County Community Trust’s Active Choices programme and a new passion for running.

After years of being in and out of hostels, living on the streets and excessive drinking, Lisa admitted herself into a rehab facility weighing just 5 and a half stone.

She left the clinic with a new lease of life and determination for change – Lisa found the Active Choices programme at Derby County Community Trust and was able to gain the support and opportunities she needed.

Active Choices focuses on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and focuses on behavioural change to help people who have struggled with substance misuse issues and the knock on effect of this on their mental health.

Soon after Lisa started the programme, she joined the Recovery RAMS Girls Football Team, for those reocvering from substance addiction and mental health issues, and her love for physical activity was ignited.

Active Choices offers a number of active classes including swimming, circuits, boxing, gym classes and many more.

Lisa soon saw a difference in how she looked and felt, motivating her to achieve something amazing…

Lisa ran in the Race For Life Derby this July 2018 finishing 9th overall with an impressive time of 25 minutes!

Running has not only improved her health and fitness, but also her mental wellbeing which has affected all areas of her life.

Lisa has become a more focused and motivated person enabling her to have no boundaries from what she can achieve. She is now training to run in Derby’s biggest race, and the Trust’s biggest fundraiser – the Derby 10K which takes place next April!

Lisa’s story provides a huge inspiration for other people struggling with substance misuse and mental ill health, and shows how much physical activity can change your life for the better.

Click here to learn more about Active Choices and how you can get involved.

This decision saved Lisa’s life and as her health began to improve, she was able to reach out and gain contact with family members and start her new journey to recovery.

Interested in entering the Derby 10K? You can register now! Click here.